Tag: Garmin

  • Garmin’s August 2025 Update: Over 12 New Features for Smartwatches

    Garmin’s August 2025 Update: Over 12 New Features for Smartwatches

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has announced major software updates for its supported smartwatches and cycling computers, with the last update in May.
    2. New devices released include the Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, and Venu X1, all included in the August 2025 Feature Update.
    3. The August update focuses on six major improvements, with a total of eighteen new enhancements and features available.
    4. The Venu X1 and related smartwatches will receive new features like Running Tolerance, Triathlon Coach, and Daily Suggested Track Workouts.
    5. The Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 have fewer modifications, and updates for older cycling models like Edge 840 and Edge 1040 are still uncertain.

    Garmin has quietly revealed its upcoming major software updates for the smartwatches it currently supports, along with its newest cycling computer. To summarize, the last time the company announced a similar update package was in May, when it introduced the Rucking activity and various enhancements for sleep.

    New Devices Released

    Since that time, Garmin has launched the Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, and Venu X1 (currently priced at $799.99 on Amazon), all of which are included in this month’s Feature Update. The Feature Update for August 2025 applies to the following devices:

    As illustrated in the screenshots below, Garmin is concentrating on six major improvements for its August 2025 Feature Update. However, the company’s comparison table showcases eighteen new enhancements and features. According to this, additions such as Running Tolerance, Triathlon Coach, Daily Suggested Track Workouts, Running Economy, Step Speed Loss, and Evening Report are all new for the Venu X1, along with the Fenix E, Fenix 8, and related smartwatches like the Quatix 8.

    Updates for Forerunner Series

    In contrast, the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 have experienced fewer modifications this time. The Edge 1050 is also set to receive a collection of improvements tailored specifically for cycling computers. However, it is yet to be determined if older models like the Edge 840 and Edge 1040 will benefit from any of these updates. At the moment, Garmin estimates that these new features and adjustments will be available “over the coming weeks.” Regrettably, Garmin has not provided any specific details regarding this, though. For more information, please refer to the screenshots above and below.

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    Garmin's August 2025 Update: Over 12 New Features for SmartwatchesGarmin's August 2025 Update: Over 12 New Features for SmartwatchesGarmin's August 2025 Update: Over 12 New Features for Smartwatches

     

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  • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: New LTE Feature in Connect App Revealed

    Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: New LTE Feature in Connect App Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin is developing smartwatches with 4G LTE capabilities, potentially including the Fenix 8 Pro.
    2. The LTE features may allow for location sharing, voice calls, and SOS messages.
    3. Recent updates in the Garmin Connect app show code related to LTE functionalities, including two-way messaging.
    4. Garmin Rumors suggest that other LTE-compatible wearables may be introduced alongside the Fenix 8 Pro.
    5. The release date for these LTE-enabled smartwatches is still unknown.

    More signs have emerged showing that certain Garmin smartwatches may have LTE capabilities, potentially including the anticipated Fenix 8 Pro. Discussions about this enhanced version of the Fenix 8 began back in May 2025, when the LTE feature was first brought to light.

    New Developments in LTE Features

    A recent disclosure from the5krunner, referencing their usual informant JohnW, reveals that Garmin is working on a “new plan” that incorporates 4G LTE along with satellite capabilities. The expected functionalities are said to have features like LiveTrack for location sharing, the ability to make voice calls, and send SOS messages.

    Insights from Garmin Rumors

    According to a report from Garmin Rumors, more details have surfaced regarding these capabilities. Through AppSensa software, the blog has found several references to the LTE function in a recent update of the Garmin Connect mobile application. One specific line found in the code, which seems to be related to a screen that appears after activating LTE, says “Stay connected and leave your phone behind with a satellite and LTE plan.” The code in the Garmin Connect app also hints at features such as two-way messaging and making voice calls via LTE.

    Other LTE Wearables on the Horizon?

    Additionally, The5krunner hypothesizes that Garmin might introduce other LTE-compatible wearables beyond the speculated Fenix 8 Pro. It is still unclear when Garmin will unveil any smartwatches featuring LTE capabilities, whether it’s a model from the Fenix 8 series, which is currently priced at $1,099.99 on Amazon, or another device.

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  • Garmin’s Growth Driven by Innovative New Wearables

    Garmin’s Growth Driven by Innovative New Wearables

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin’s revenue increased by 20% in Q2 2024, reaching $1.81 billion.
    2. The gross profit margin improved from 57.3% to 58.8%, and the operating profit margin rose from 22.7% to 26%.
    3. Operating profit for the last quarter was $472.3 million, highlighting strong core business performance.
    4. Garmin’s business is divided into five categories: Fitness, Outdoor, Aviation, Marine, and Auto OEM, making it hard to assess smartwatch market performance.
    5. All segments showed year-on-year growth, with the Fitness segment leading at approximately $605 million in net sales.

    Garmin has a wide range of products, and we often cover their news and reviews at Notebookcheck. Recently, the company announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2025 (PDF). These results show that Garmin had a very successful quarter. When comparing quarterly results, they are measured against the same period from the previous year.

    Strong Revenue Growth

    When looking at the second quarter of 2024, Garmin saw its revenue rise a remarkable 20%, reaching $1.81 billion. The gross profit margin also improved, moving from 57.3% to 58.8%, while the operating profit margin increased from 22.7% to 26%. Operating profit, which reflects earnings from core business operations excluding interest and special income, hit $472.3 million in the last quarter. In contrast, Apple reported an operating profit of $28.20 billion (PDF). While this comparison may seem a bit unfair, Apple is also in the wearable market. Zepp Health, on the other hand, generated $59.4 million in revenue during the second quarter of 2025, marking an impressive 46.2% increase year-over-year, which is a significant leap compared to Garmin’s percentage.

    Business Segmentation

    Garmin organizes its operations into five main categories: Fitness, Outdoor, Aviation, Marine, and Auto OEM. This structure means the company does not categorize its products strictly by type. For instance, various models of smartwatches fall under different segments. Forerunner smartwatches belong to the Fitness category, while Instinct wearables fall under Outdoor. This approach makes it challenging to assess the overall performance of the smartwatch market within Garmin. Nevertheless, the annual report highlights substantial growth in wearables. Every segment experienced year-on-year growth, with the Fitness segment leading, achieving net sales of around $605 million.

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  • Garmin Launches High-End Smartwatch Beta Update with Bug Fix

    Garmin Launches High-End Smartwatch Beta Update with Bug Fix

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin released beta version 17.27 for Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Solar, Fenix E, Tactix 8, and Enduro 3 smartwatches.
    2. The update includes two new bug fixes: one for Multisports activity settings and another for inaccurate time display.
    3. The over-the-air update is available for all users of the mentioned smartwatches.
    4. ECG, Dive, and Aviation features are currently turned off in this beta version.
    5. Garmin is likely testing additional features or fixes before finalizing the 17.xx software release.

    Garmin has released beta version 17.27 for owners of the Fenix 8 AMOLED, Fenix 8 Solar, Fenix E, Tactix 8, and Enduro 3 smartwatches. This update comes just after the previous beta version 17.25, which included two fixes related to potential crashes of the watch.

    New Bug Fixes

    The change log for beta version 17.27 includes two new bug fixes. The first fix addresses a problem related to Multisports activities. Users faced difficulties while trying to modify the Power Save Timeout Setting, but this issue has now been corrected. The second fix resolves a bug that could make the time displayed on the watch face inaccurate. It seems the time would freeze until users interacted with the device.

    OTA Update Availability

    A post on the Garmin forum states that this over-the-air update has been distributed to all users of the Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Solar, Fenix E, Tactix 8, and Enduro 3 smartwatches (current price $899.99 at Amazon). The message further indicates that, as with most beta updates, the ECG, Dive, and Aviation features remain turned off. This implies that Garmin plans to test additional new features or fixes before releasing a final version of the 17.xx software to all users of these devices.

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    Garmin Launches High-End Smartwatch Beta Update with Bug Fix

     

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  • New Study Shows Smartwatch Tech Fails to Measure Stress Accurately

    New Study Shows Smartwatch Tech Fails to Measure Stress Accurately

    Key Takeaways

    1. Smart wearables claim to monitor sleep and stress, which can help users make lifestyle changes for better health.
    2. A study at Leiden University found that the accuracy of these devices may be questionable, especially for stress measurements.
    3. The study involved 781 students using the Vivosmart 4 device over three months, with EMA surveys assessing sleep, fatigue, and stress.
    4. While wearables accurately tracked sleep and fatigue, their stress readings did not align with EMA data.
    5. The findings suggest that wearable devices may not be reliable for monitoring stress, raising concerns for users who depend on them for health insights.

    An increasing number of smart wearables are claiming to monitor how well users are sleeping and how much stress they are experiencing. This information is important as it may help people make lifestyle changes to tackle significant health issues that could arise.

    New Study Findings

    However, a recent study suggests that the accuracy of these devices may not be as reliable as they claim. Conducted at Leiden University in the Netherlands, the research involved 781 students who wore the same device for three months. During this period, they were also asked to fill out ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys, which focused on their own experiences of sleep, fatigue, and stress.

    Diverging Results

    The findings showed that while the EMA data matched well with the wearables’ readings for fatigue and sleep, they did not align when it came to measuring stress levels. It’s worth mentioning that the study only examined one specific device: the Vivosmart 4, which was released around 2018 and later discontinued by Garmin in favor of the updated Vivosmart 5, available for $149.99 on Amazon since 2022.

    This raises questions as it seems Garmin’s method for evaluating stress might be different from the EMA approach, which could have influenced the study’s results.

    Implications of the Study

    Overall, the research is now being seen as an indication that most wearable devices designed to track stress may not be very accurate. The implications could be significant for users who rely on these gadgets to monitor their health and wellbeing, as stated in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science.

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  • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Rumors: LTE and Satellite Smartwatches Leak

    Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Rumors: LTE and Satellite Smartwatches Leak

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin hinted at refreshing popular smartwatches with LTE capabilities, including models like Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Tactix 8.
    2. Confusion arose about which models would receive phone call functions, with speculation mainly focused on the Fenix 8 series.
    3. A significant leak suggests Garmin may release multiple LTE-enabled devices, not just the Fenix 8 Pro.
    4. The new devices may integrate with Garmin’s inReach series, which uses the Iridium satellite network for messaging.
    5. Garmin is likely to develop a wrist-worn device that incorporates inReach features, similar to the existing Fenix and Quatix series.

    A few months ago, Garmin hinted that it might refresh several well-liked smartwatches with LTE capabilities. Back in late April, we noticed that Garmin’s Connect app had references to phone functions for models like the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Tactix 8, but these references were soon erased. Since then, Garmin hasn’t made any official announcements.

    Confusion Over New Models

    Interestingly, there was a mix-up where it was suggested that the newer Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 could handle phone calls. Still, new whispers emerged claiming that Garmin would only provide LTE features for the Fenix 8 series as part of a Fenix 8 Pro launch. Now, the5krunner has shared that it has what it calls a ‘huge leak’ about Garmin’s future plans for LTE and Satellite tech.

    Details from the Leak

    According to regular informant @JohnW, the5krunner has put much of this supposed leak behind a paywall. At the moment, there’s no word on when they will disclose this ‘huge leak’. However, we can still pick up some details from what they have shared thus far.

    For example, the5krunner mentions that Garmin’s strategy may involve ‘new devices’ instead of just one. This suggests there will be a range of LTE-enabled wearables beyond just the rumored Fenix 8 Pro. Additionally, it appears these new releases are connected to Garmin’s inReach series, which utilizes the Iridium satellite network for worldwide two-way messaging and other functions.

    Future inReach Devices

    Currently, Garmin offers devices like the inReach Mini 2 or inReach Messenger (currently priced at $249.99 on Amazon) and the more standard GPSMAP 86 or Montana 760. It seems that Garmin is planning to integrate inReach features into a wrist-worn gadget. Consequently, we might see another variant of the Fenix series, similar to the Quatix 8 that was released in June.

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  • Garmin Update Fixes Random Reboots for Multiple Smartwatches

    Garmin Update Fixes Random Reboots for Multiple Smartwatches

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin is releasing a significant software update (Public Beta Version 12.64) for the Forerunner 570 and 970 smartwatches after initial delays.
    2. The new beta update includes multiple bug fixes compared to the previous version (12.60).
    3. Key improvements focus on stability, addressing unexpected reboots during sleep mode and while saving workouts.
    4. Issues with adjusting settings in activity focus mode and premature Evening Reports have been resolved.
    5. Users can manually check for the update by navigating through the smartwatch menu to the Software Update section.

    Garmin is moving forward with the progress that will support a significant new software update for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 (current price: $749 on Amazon) after a rather sluggish beginning. To summarize, although these two smartwatches have been out for a few months now, their initial public beta software development only commenced less than a month ago.

    New Beta Update Released

    The Public Beta Version 12.64 has now been launched for both smartwatches, bringing a host of bug fixes when compared to last week’s Public Beta Version 12.60. Garmin reports that this latest update should be accessible to all participants in the Beta Program. If you haven’t received it yet, you can manually check for Public Beta Version 12.64 by selecting ‘Check for Updates’ from the Menu, then System, and finally Software Update on your Forerunner 570 or Forerunner 970.

    Focus on Stability Improvements

    The main focus of the new beta is on enhancing stability, addressing rare situations where the Forerunner 570 or Forerunner 970 might unexpectedly reboot during sleep mode or while saving a swimming workout. Furthermore, Garmin states they have resolved issues related to adjusting settings in activity focus mode, along with a different bug that led to the Evening Report showing up too soon.

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  • Garmin Updates Older Mid-Range Smartwatches Before Stable Release

    Garmin Updates Older Mid-Range Smartwatches Before Stable Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released Beta Version 17.05 for Instinct 2, Instinct 2X, and Instinct Crossover, replacing Beta Version 17.04.
    2. The update is currently being rolled out to about 20% of eligible devices, with notifications sent via Garmin Connect Mobile or Garmin Express.
    3. Users can manually check for the update through the menu on their smartwatches.
    4. The update aims to fix multiple bugs, including incorrect ‘Wallet Locked’ messages and issues with distance tracking during Open Water activities.
    5. Specific improvements for the Instinct 2X include fixes for strobe light features during multisport activities.

    Garmin has started to release a fresh update for the Instinct 2, Instinct 2X, and Instinct Crossover (currently priced at $314.99 on Amazon), through its Beta Program. To give you some background, Beta Version 17.05 is replacing Beta Version 17.04, which was introduced in early June. This latest update comes almost a year after Garmin began the beta development of v17.xx, starting with Beta Version 17.00.

    Update Rollout Process

    At the moment, Garmin notes that Beta Version 17.05 has been sent out to about 20% of the devices that qualify. Users who are picked for this update will get a notification to download it automatically within the next 24 hours, either through Garmin Connect Mobile (GCM) or while syncing their smartwatches with Garmin Express. Additionally, users can also manually initiate the update installation by navigating through Menu, System, and Software Update to click on ‘Check for Updates.’

    Focus of the New Update

    In a post on the forum, Garmin mentions that this beta update aims to fix multiple bugs found in previous versions. For example, Beta Version 17.05 should fix a problem where the ‘Wallet Locked’ message might show up incorrectly. Also, the distance tracking should no longer increase during Open Water activities when there’s no movement. Furthermore, the Instinct 2X has been updated to fix issues with strobe light features during multisport activities. Sadly, Garmin hasn’t shared when the v17.xx software will become stable.

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  • Garmin Wearable’s Body Battery TrueUp Feature Gains Popularity

    Garmin Wearable’s Body Battery TrueUp Feature Gains Popularity

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Garmin vivosmart 5 now supports the Body Battery TrueUp feature, enhancing its functionality.
    2. Compatibility for Body Battery TrueUp was confirmed through a Garmin support page, though the update date is unclear.
    3. The feature was not mentioned in the official announcements or recent change logs for the vivosmart 5.
    4. Body Battery monitors energy levels on a scale from 5 to 100, based on heart rate variability, stress, and activity.
    5. Body Battery TrueUp syncs energy data across multiple Garmin devices for improved accuracy.

    The Garmin vivosmart 5 fitness tracker has been officially confirmed to support the Body Battery TrueUp feature. This new version of the feature was introduced earlier this year for devices such as the Fenix 7, Fenix 8, Forerunner 255, Venu 3, and the vivoactive 5.

    Compatibility Update

    Recently, a Garmin support page indicated that the vivosmart 5 is now a compatible device for Body Battery TrueUp. This news seems to be quite new, although the precise date of this update is not clear. Interestingly, Body Battery TrueUp wasn’t mentioned in any announcements regarding the fitness tracker; the most recent change log for version 3.29 only noted that stability improvements were made. Nevertheless, a user on Reddit claims that the Body Battery TrueUp feature is functioning on the vivosmart 5 (currently priced at $149.99 on Amazon).

    Energy Monitoring

    To remind you, the Body Battery feature aids users of the vivosmart 5 in tracking their energy levels during the day. The score ranges from 5 to 100 and is determined by factors such as heart rate variability (HRV), stress, and physical activity. The new Body Battery TrueUp syncs your Body Battery information across several Garmin devices. It also utilizes data gathered from your different Garmin wearables, which should enhance the accuracy of this metric.

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    Garmin Wearable's Body Battery TrueUp Feature Gains Popularity

     

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  • Garmin Smartwatch Beta Update Fixes Messenger Bug

    Garmin Smartwatch Beta Update Fixes Messenger Bug

    Key Takeaways

    1. Beta update version 10.26 is released for Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar, and Instinct E smartwatches.
    2. The update includes bug fixes for Messenger app message misdirection and inReach device connection issues.
    3. A specific fix for Instinct 3 models addresses pairing problems with the CT10 sensor.
    4. The Sensor Hub has been updated to version 35.10 with this release.
    5. The beta update is currently sent to 50% of eligible users, with no timeline for full rollout or stable version.

    A new beta update, version 10.26, is now being released for the Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar, and Instinct E smartwatches. This update comes about a week after the previous beta version 10.21, which fixed some problems related to connecting a GoPro device and missing options for editing apps and activities on Garmin Connect Mobile.

    Bug Fixes in Beta Version 10.26

    According to the release notes for beta version 10.26, there are three additional bug fixes for these smartwatches. The first fix addresses an issue where messages from the Messenger app were incorrectly sent to another contact from the Instinct series devices. The second fix resolves a connection problem with inReach devices, which did not show as connected when users checked the widget.

    Specific Fixes for Instinct 3 Models

    The third bug fix applies only to the Instinct 3 AMOLED and Instinct 3 Solar smartwatches. The change log mentions that a pairing issue with the CT10 sensor has been fixed; the Approach CT10 are sensors that automatically track golf clubs. Additionally, the Sensor Hub has been updated to version 35.10 with this release.

    A representative from Garmin mentioned in a forum post that the beta version 10.26 update has been sent out to 50% of users who are eligible. However, they did not provide details on when the rollout will finish or when a stable version of the 10.xx software will be available for all users of the Instinct E, Instinct 3 AMOLED, and Instinct 3 Solar smartwatches, which are priced at $399.99 at Amazon for the 45 mm Solar model in Black.

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    Garmin Smartwatch Beta Update Fixes Messenger Bug

     

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